News – Page 126 – Democracy Radio

UNICEF officials and Borno State Government representatives at the launch of a vocational training programme for conflict-affected children in Maiduguri.

UNICEF, FG Train Journalists on Ethical Child Reporting in Kano

By Aremu Toyeebaht The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information, has called on Nigerian journalists to prioritise the protection and dignity of children in their reportage, warning against sensational coverage that could expose minors to lifelong harm. Speaking at the opening of a two-day regional workshop in Kano on Monday, UNICEF’s Head of Field Office, Mr. Rahama Muhammad, described ethical child reporting as central to democracy and community trust. He stressed that while […]

September 2, 2025

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Sport

Delta, Edo, Kano Excel in Rugby Sevens at National Youth Games

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso The 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba kicked off in spectacular fashion on Sunday, with the rugby sevens event delivering fast-paced action, hard tackles, and dazzling tries from the country’s finest U-15 players. Both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments served up thrilling contests, setting the stage for a blockbuster semi-final lineup. Defending champions Edo State underlined their credentials in Pool A, opening their campaign with a 15–0 win over Ogun State before edging Abia State 5–0 in […]

September 2, 2025 2

Education

Benue Bans Basic School Graduation Ceremonies, Abolishes Extended Lessons

By Aremu Toyeebaht The Benue State Government has banned graduation parties for kindergarten, nursery, and primary schools as part of measures to reduce financial pressure on parents and restore focus on learning. Acting Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs. Helen Nambativ, confirmed the policy enforcement in Makurdi on Tuesday, warning that schools that flout the directive risk sanctions, including temporary closure. According to Nambativ, the policy—effective immediately—will be strictly monitored, with a task force set up to ensure compliance. […]

September 2, 2025

General

GMOs Could Trigger Food Colonialism in Nigeria – Experts

By Oluwakemi Kindness Environmentalists and scientists have raised fresh alarm over the rising adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria, warning that the country risks both a new form of colonialism and serious health and environmental consequences. Speaking in Abuja on Monday at a National Symposium on GMOs, charting the way forward for food sovereignty in Nigeria, the Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, cautioned that GMOs undermine Africa’s agricultural independence while exposing […]

September 1, 2025

Local News

CODE Announces New Leadership to Drive Citizen Accountability

By Julian Osamoto Connected Development (CODE), Africa’s leading civil society organisation championing citizen-led accountability, has marked its 13th anniversary with a call to deepen grassroots participation in governance while unveiling a new leadership team to sustain its continental impact. At a news briefing in Abuja, Chief Executive Hamzat Lawal reflected on CODE’s journey from its 2012 “Save Bagega” campaign, which forced government action on a devastating lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara State to becoming a movement active in over 12 […]

September 1, 2025

Economy

Trump’s Control Of Federal Reserve,a “Serious Danger” -ECB President

By: Aremu Toyeebaht European Central Bank (ECB) President, Christine Lagarde, has cautioned that allowing U.S. President, Donald Trump to assert direct control over the Federal Reserve would pose a “serious danger” to both the American and global economy. Speaking on Monday, Lagarde expressed concern over Trump’s reported efforts to "remove Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook", a move critics argue is part of a wider push to reshape the U.S. central bank with allies sympathetic to his calls for lower interest […]

September 1, 2025

Politics

Atiku Condemns Rivers LG Elections,Describes Process a “Travesty of Democracy”

By: Aremu Toyeebaht Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recently concluded local government elections in Rivers State, describing the exercise as a “travesty of democracy” marred by irregularities and political manipulation. In a statement issued Monday, Atiku criticized what he called a “shameful and shambolic process” allegedly orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC)–backed government in the state. “By the shameful and shambolic manner in which the occupation government went ahead to conduct local government elections in Rivers State, it is […]

September 1, 2025

Features

Simon Ekpa Jailed Six Years in Finland Over Terrorism Charges

By Julian Osamoto The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician, Simon Ekpa, to six years imprisonment after finding him guilty of terrorism-related crimes and other offences connected to the Biafran separatist movement. Ekpa, 40, a former municipal councillor in Lahti, was convicted on charges including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit terrorist acts, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court ordered him to remain in custody. According […]

September 1, 2025

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Security

CDS Hails Ekpa’s Sentencing, Reaffirms Military’s Resolve Against Terrorism

By Zainab Bakare The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has commended the verdict delivered by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences. Ekpa is a Finnish citizen and leads the agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra in South East Nigeria, from the European country where he has been accused of instigating violence and acts akin to terrorism in his native Nigeria. In a statement […]

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